UPDATE:
American Forces Press Service is marking the 12th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States in a special report available here. Visit the site for stories and photos about how the nation and the world are observing the anniversary.
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Original Post:
Memory can be a curious thing. It can break a man down to the point where all hope seems lost, only to rebuild him again, stronger than before. It can bridge the gap between space and time in a single moment of painful clarity. It can unite a generation and stir the soul to action. It can even be all the fire, rage and sadness of the world funneled into the horrified eyes of a 17-year-old girl, standing on the roof of her school and watching how the hatred of a few caused the suffering of so many.
Memory can be all those things, and more.
With these words, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jarad A. Denton of the 633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., concludes a gripping story of four Americans — all in the military now — who in one way or another “witnessed 9/11,” how they remember their experiences on that fateful day and how their experiences forever changed their lives.
In the story with the same title as this post, Denton tells us about:
Master Sgt. Oniqua White-Muldrow. How she recalls her experiences of the Sept. 11 attacks against the World Trade Center in New York, Sept. 6, 2013, at Langley Air Force Base, Va. Muldrow specifically remembers people covered in ash and blood, crossing the Brooklyn Bridge looking for the nearest hospital. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration/Staff Sgt. Jarad A. Denton) (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jarad A. Denton)
Second Lieutenant Keisha Pearson, seen here posing for a photo Aug. 28, 2013, at Langley Air Force Base. Pearson was in high school during the Sept. 11 attacks and vividly recalls how the events impacted her life. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration/Staff Sgt. Jarad A. Denton) (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jarad A. Denton)
U.S. Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4 Clifford Bauman, seen here reflecting Aug. 22, 2013, on the boots, gloves and hat he wore during search and rescue missions at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. After the missions were over, Bauman placed the work gear in closet and did not touch them again until 12 years later. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration/Staff Sgt. Jarad A. Denton) (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jarad A. Denton)
Staff Sgt. Jonathan Williams seen here posing for a photo Sept. 4, 2013, at Langley Air Force Base, Va.. Williams was stationed at McChord Air Force Base, Wash. when the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks occurred. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration/Staff Sgt. Jarad A. Denton) (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jarad A. Denton)
Denton skillfully and thoughtfully augments these stories with excerpts and first-hand accounts of the September 11 attacks.
A must-read on this 12th anniversary of a day we will never forget.
Lead image:www.shutterstock.com Anthony Correia / Shutterstock.com
Added:
President Barack Obama delivers remarks during a 9/11 commemoration ceremony at the Pentagon, Sept. 11, 2013. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, joined the president. Photo DoD
